Oham Lakes

Oham Lakes is a compact coarse fishery and campsite that brings together three well-stocked fishing lakes, on-site accommodation and a tackle-focused retail offer aimed at anglers who want convenient access to quality waters without excessive formality. Visitors highlight its relaxed feel, friendly welcome and the chance to stay just a few steps from the pegs, while also pointing out that standards of maintenance and facilities have not always been consistent over the years.

The core attraction for many anglers is the combination of varied waters and accessible pricing for day tickets, which makes Oham Lakes appealing to pleasure anglers, families and those trying a new venue. One of the main strengths is the presence of three distinct pools, including a water designed for younger or less experienced anglers where bites are frequent and the emphasis is on fun rather than specimen hunting. More experienced coarse anglers are drawn by the mix of silver fish, chub, barbel and carp running to over 30lb in the larger lakes, offering sessions that can be busy rather than purely specimen-orientated.

For customers looking specifically for a dedicated angling break, the set-up is fairly straightforward: there is a small campsite, static caravans with lakeside views and the option for residents to arrange night fishing on site. Some guests mention enjoying short breaks with family in caravans that feel clean, warm and adequately equipped, with open-plan living spaces and heating that makes early or late season trips comfortable. Others appreciate being able to park and pitch close to the water so that rods, bait and cooking kit are within easy reach throughout the day.

A key selling point for many visitors is the on-site shop, which goes substantially beyond basic bait sales and functions as a small specialist outlet for coarse and sea anglers. The tackle shop carries well-known brands and an extensive choice of rods, reels, poles, terminal gear, baits and accessories, and there is even an expanded sea-angling section with locally sourced baits for those who also fish the nearby coast. Staff are reported to be happy to give advice, and one notable feature is that pole buyers can try equipment on the lakes before committing, which is a practical benefit for anglers who want to feel how a pole behaves at fishing length rather than relying only on catalogue descriptions.

The presence of a cafe alongside the fishing lakes is another advantage for anglers who plan longer sessions and prefer to stay on site rather than drive out for food. Hot and cold snacks are available, and visitors often refer to generous cooked breakfasts that have become something of a talking point for regulars. Toilets are conveniently located for day-ticket anglers, and having refreshments, facilities and a tackle outlet in one place makes Oham Lakes a practical stop for those travelling with family or friends who may not want to be on the bank all day.

In terms of the waters themselves, Badger Lake is the largest at roughly one and a half acres, with around 28 staged pegs and a mixture of features such as islands, a sunken plateau and a deeper section known locally as the Deep Hole. This layout gives coarse anglers multiple options, from margin fishing near reed beds to targeting the plateau with method feeders or float tactics, and the stock includes common, mirror, grass, leather, koi and crucian carp along with bream, roach, rudd, tench, chub and barbel. Carp here can top 30lb, barbel run to around 9lb and there are tench to about 4lb, so the venue expects anglers to step up tackle slightly compared with a typical small commercial fishery, particularly if fishing near snags or features.

Mallard Lake is a smaller but still generous pool, roughly three-quarters of an acre with around 20 pegs and an even bank that sits close to the car park, shop and cafe, making it particularly convenient for less mobile or disabled anglers. Depths are shallower and more consistent than on Badger, with a shelf that drops to a flat bottom at around 4½ feet and a small island plus reed beds that offer clear target areas. Fish sizes are more modest, with carp generally below double figures and a good spread of crucians, barbel, chub, tench and bream, which suits those who prefer steady sport on lighter lines rather than playing very large carp on every cast.

The smallest pool, often used for teaching or younger anglers, is “stuffed” with small carp and silver fish, and there is mention of surprise larger specimens including a mid-double carp and small barbel to around 2lb. Because this water is shallow, relatively sheltered and regularly fed with waste maggots, it tends to remain productive in colder weather and appeals to those who want plenty of bites throughout the year. Popular baits across the venue include maggots, sweetcorn and meat, and many anglers favour short-pole or waggler approaches, especially in the margins, which means the venue suits both traditional float anglers and those who enjoy more modern commercial-fishery tactics.

For potential visitors, one factor to weigh is how the practical facilities match expectations. Several recent reviews speak very positively about the cleanliness of caravans and the overall welcome from the owners, noting spotless shower and toilet blocks during their stays and praising the relaxed, informal atmosphere. Anglers and campers describe tidy, well-maintained grounds and good value for money for both day tickets and longer stays, which is especially relevant for those comparing multiple Midlands and Lincolnshire venues. The site’s compact nature is appreciated by guests who prefer a quieter environment rather than a large holiday park, as noise levels tend to be lower and it is easier to keep an eye on children exploring nearby pitches.

However, the feedback is not uniformly positive, and anyone considering Oham Lakes will want to be aware of some recurring criticisms. A number of reviews from past seasons mention toilets and showers that were not as clean as expected, with one reviewer stating that washrooms needed more regular attention and that the drinking water supply had caused illness within their group, leading to an early departure. Another visitor expressed disappointment at what they perceived as scruffy surroundings, including a burnt-out caravan near one of the ponds, dirty toilets and pegs that appeared rotten in places, as well as commenting that the fishery was not particularly friendly for disabled anglers despite being generally flat. While these comments may not reflect the current standard day to day, they do point to a history of uneven maintenance and the importance of ongoing investment in infrastructure on a site that mixes accommodation with heavy angling use.

Accessibility and inclusivity are important considerations for many modern anglers, and Oham Lakes has strengths and weaknesses in this area. Some sources emphasise that Mallard Lake, situated near the car park and on level ground, has been made suitable for disabled anglers, with easy access to pegs and nearby facilities. Yet the negative review that notes poor disabled access suggests that not all areas or pegs are equally manageable for those with reduced mobility, and the perception of accessibility can vary significantly depending on which lake and pitch are used during a visit. Prospective visitors with specific access needs may therefore wish to contact the venue in advance to clarify which pegs and facilities will work best for them.

From a value and experience perspective, Oham Lakes sits somewhere between a simple day-ticket fishery and a fully serviced holiday park. It offers a combination of coarse fishing, camping and static accommodation that gives anglers the option of weekend or longer stays without giving up on proper facilities, whilst retaining a small, independent feel. At the same time, it does not offer the extensive entertainment programmes, pools and activities associated with larger coastal parks, so visitors largely make their own fun on the bank or by exploring nearby coastline and market towns outside of their fishing sessions.

For those comparing venues, the strongest reasons to choose Oham Lakes include its three varied coarse waters, the on-site tackle shop, the availability of static caravans and pitches close to the fishing lakes, and the combination of cafe, toilets and shower facilities that support full days or multi-day stays focused on angling. The friendly, hands-on management style is frequently highlighted in positive reviews, particularly in relation to helping guests settle in, providing angling tips and making sure first-time visitors understand how the waters fish. On the downside, historic concerns about cleanliness of washrooms, the occasional appearance of untidy areas and mixed views on disabled access mean that expectations should be realistic, especially for visitors who prioritise immaculate presentation over character or informality.

Ultimately, Oham Lakes is best suited to anglers and families who see fishing as the focal point of their break and who value on-site coarse fishing facilities over luxury surroundings. With three distinct pools catering to different levels of experience, a well-stocked shop, hot food on site and the option to stay just a short walk from the pegs, it offers a straightforward and practical base for those who enjoy spending long days by the water. Prospective visitors who are sensitive to site presentation or require specific accessibility features may find it helpful to check recent feedback and speak directly with the venue before committing, ensuring that the balance of strong angling, informal atmosphere and variable past reviews fits what they want from their next fishing holiday.